Buccaneers Release Veteran Guard Davin Joseph

TAMPA - AUGUST 01: Guard Davin Joseph #75 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out during Training Camp at One Buccaneer Place on August 1, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)(Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released veteran guard Davin Joseph, a mainstay on their offensive line over the past eight seasons.

The 30-year-old Joseph was a first-round draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2006, the 23rd overall selection. He started 99 of 100 games he appeared in with the Bucs, who are coming off a 4-12 finish in 2013.

New general manager Jason Licht said in a statement it was not an easy decision to part with Joseph, a two-time Pro Bowl selection. The GM added every move the Bucs make leading up to the start of the free agency signing period will be made with “the intention of improving our roster and building towards becoming a championship team.”

Joseph was due to earn $6 million next season.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.